Research has helped us understand that
learning happens in many different types of environments. The formal
structure of classrooms is only one of many environments in which children
can explore and discover answers to questions about science, history,
anthropology, and the humanities. Museums have long provided alternative
learning environments where their rich collections of artifacts can
stimulate questions and provide answers through dialogue and tactile
handling of teaching objects. In this way they can reenforce classroom
learning by providing actual objects that serve to ground abstract
ideas. For instance, tools in a sewing kit can help explain the chores
of a pioneer woman.

The Brooklyn Children’s Museum, the oldest of museum spaces
dedicated solely to the learning of young children, began in 1898 by
providing areas and objects that encouraged hands-on tactile learning.
The idea that young people take in information differently than adults,
and research supporting that idea, has given rise to specialized museum
education programs in specially designed spaces that help teachers
and children benefit from the unique environments that can naturally
link to classroom curriculum. Natural history museums, history museums
and culturally specific museums provide authentic artifacts that ground
the abstract material of the classroom. Many museums have structured
education programs for school aged children. These programs vary from
group tours and workshops to special family days and classes.

The rise in the number of children’s museums in the past 20
years has been stimulated by research showing that the learning curve
for young children rises when they are learning through new and different,
hands-on stimulation. Children’s museums provide interactive
exhibits where questions are answered by manipulation of levers and
pulleys that physically involve the visitor. Abstract concepts are
grounded by involving play. They evolve into interactive games and
mechanical or musical exhibits in these alternative learning spaces.

SFMOMA,
Three year old girl explores different textures — feathers, chalks, colored
papers, while creating a collage with parent; San Francisco Museum of Modern
Art.